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Heliyon Apr 2024The performances of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polysulfone (PSF) membranes for recovering water from reverse osmosis (RO) reject of brackish water through forward...
The performances of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polysulfone (PSF) membranes for recovering water from reverse osmosis (RO) reject of brackish water through forward osmosis (FO) were assessed and compared. Non-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were added to the membrane casting solutions, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 3 wt%. The experiment was conducted for eight samples using RO reject of brackish water as the feed solution (FS) and 2 M analytical grade MgCl as the draw solution (DS). The hydrophilicity, water permeability, salt rejection rate (R), water flux (WF) and porosity of the membranes improved with increasing MWCNT content up to 2 wt%. Also, the structural parameter, salt permeability and reverse solute flux decreased. PBI/MWCNT exhibited the best performance among the membranes tested compared with porosity of 70 ± 4 %, structural parameter of 0.36 ± 0.2 μm, and R of 93.5 %. In contrast with the pristine PBI membrane, an average water flux enhancement of 15 % and 49 % was observed for the FS and DS sides, respectively, for PBI/MWCNT. It is evident from the results that including MWCNT improves the performance of both membranes, with better relative performance for PBI membranes than PSF membranes.
PubMed: 38586360
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28455 -
Nature Communications Apr 2024Epithelial tissues sheath organs and electro-mechanically regulate ion and water transport to regulate development, homeostasis, and hydrostatic organ pressure. Here, we...
Epithelial tissues sheath organs and electro-mechanically regulate ion and water transport to regulate development, homeostasis, and hydrostatic organ pressure. Here, we demonstrate how external electrical stimulation allows us to control these processes in living tissues. Specifically, we electrically stimulate hollow, 3D kidneyoids and gut organoids and find that physiological-strength electrical stimulation of ∼ 5 - 10 V/cm powerfully inflates hollow tissues; a process we call electro-inflation. Electro-inflation is mediated by increased ion flux through ion channels/transporters and triggers subsequent osmotic water flow into the lumen, generating hydrostatic pressure that competes against cytoskeletal tension. Our computational studies suggest that electro-inflation is strongly driven by field-induced ion crowding on the outer surface of the tissue. Electrically stimulated tissues also break symmetry in 3D resulting from electrotaxis and affecting tissue shape. The ability of electrical cues to regulate tissue size and shape emphasizes the role and importance of the electrical micro-environment for living tissues.
Topics: Homeostasis; Hydrostatic Pressure; Osmosis; Electricity; Water
PubMed: 38580690
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47079-w -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024Heavy metal ions can be introduced into the water through several point and non-point sources including leather industry, coal mining, agriculture activity and domestic... (Review)
Review
Heavy metal ions can be introduced into the water through several point and non-point sources including leather industry, coal mining, agriculture activity and domestic waste. Regrettably, these toxic heavy metals may pose a threat to both humans and animals, particularly when they infiltrate water and soil. Heavy metal poisoning can lead to many health complications, such as liver and renal dysfunction, dermatological difficulties, and potentially even malignancies. To mitigate the risk of heavy metal ion exposure to humans and animals, it is imperative to extract them from places that have been polluted. Several conventional methods such as ion exchange, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, membrane filtration and chemical precipitation have been used for the removal of heavy metal ions. However, these methods have high operation costs and generate secondary pollutants during water treatment. Biosorption is an alternative approach to eliminating heavy metals from water that involves employing eco-friendly and cost-effective biomass. This review is focused on the heavy metal ions contamination in the water, biosorption methods for heavy metal removal and mathematical modeling to explain the behaviour of heavy metal adsorption. This review can be helpful to the researchers to design wastewater treatment plants for sustainable wastewater treatment.
Topics: Humans; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Metals, Heavy; Thermodynamics; Kinetics; Ions; Adsorption; Biomass; Heavy Metal Poisoning; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
PubMed: 38556536
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58061-3 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2024This research addresses the issues related with treatment and valorization of brines and nitrate decontamination of surface and ground waters. The objective was to...
This research addresses the issues related with treatment and valorization of brines and nitrate decontamination of surface and ground waters. The objective was to approximate to zero liquid discharge (ZLD) minimizing the environmental impact of brines of an electrodialysis reversal water treatment plant (EDRWTP) as an example. The innovative in flow process was developed from lab to pre-industrial scale and joined several main concepts: ion-exchange equilibrium for softening or demineralization of brines; reversed osmosis to recover suitable water and to enrich the waste in nitrate for efficient electrochemical reduction of NO to N; valorization of subproducts by direct use or by precipitation; and assessment of the whole process by measuring in-line several parameters. The achieved softening was around 98 % and the recovered water from this current by reversed osmosis was 75 %. The brine of this step (25 %) contained around 1500 mg/L of nitrate and it was treated by electrochemical reduction with a Bi/Sn cathode providing a gas current of 60 % of initial nitrate reduced to N, O, HO, NH and at least 97 % of H. The aqueous current contained around 40 % of initial nitrate as ammonium and nitrite lower than 50 and 5 mg/L, respectively. Hypochlorite was added to this last current for oxidizing ammonium and nitrite to N and nitrate, respectively, being nitrate and ammonium lower than 50 and 5 mg/L, respectively. After the obtained water was demineralized and conducted to the EDRWTP inlet. The recovery of insoluble salts as calcium carbonate, reuse of saline solutions for the regeneration of process resins and the potential use of hydrogen generated as a by-product during the electrochemical reduction are other possible utilities.
PubMed: 38552986
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172060 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024The orthokinetic coagulation of irregularly shaped polystyrene micro-particles (PS-MP) was investigated in solutions of inorganic cations with different valence (NaCl,...
The orthokinetic coagulation of irregularly shaped polystyrene micro-particles (PS-MP) was investigated in solutions of inorganic cations with different valence (NaCl, CaCl, LaCl) using a coagulation jar test set-up combined with light extinction particle counting. The stabilizing effect of model natural organic matter (NOM from reverse-osmosis (RO-NOM), humic (HA) & fulvic acid (FA)) and of surface water components (SW-NOM) was studied. Collision efficiencies were calculated from the decrease in particle concentration applying first order reaction kinetics. The coagulation of PS-MP followed Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory with regard to ionic charge in solution. Highest collision efficiencies were obtained close to the suspected critical coagulation concentrations for CaCl (12 mM) and LaCl (5.5 mM) whereas for NaCl no CCC was found within the applied concentration range (10-1000 mM). The addition of NOM effectively stabilized PS-MP at low ionic strength (10 mM NaCl) in the order HA > RO-NOM > FA > SW-NOM at concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) as low as 0.2-0.5 mg/L DOC through electrostatic repulsion. PS-MP were effectively stabilized in 6.1 mg DOC/L of SW-NOM even at high ionic strength (100 mM MgCl). Coagulation at intermediate ionic strength (10 mM MgCl) was only observed for SW-NOM concentrations below 0.6 mg/L DOC. The results showed that even low NOM concentrations prevent PS-MP from orthokinetic coagulation in the presence of high ion concentrations. The study provides further insight in the orthokinetic coagulation behavior of PS-MP in the presence of NOM and highlights the importance of NOM for the stabilization of microplastics in aquatic suspensions. Further research is needed to elucidate the behavior of MP in turbulent systems to predict the mobility MP in aquatic systems such as rivers.
PubMed: 38552984
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172043 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials May 2024Reverse osmosis (RO)-based treatment of municipal wastewater effluent allows for potable reuse, but this process generates reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) that needs...
Reverse osmosis (RO)-based treatment of municipal wastewater effluent allows for potable reuse, but this process generates reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) that needs further treatment before disposal. This study investigated the application of UV-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to degrade nine contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) from real ROC waste streams, using UV-only and UV-AOPs with hydrogen peroxide, free chlorine, and persulfate. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in ROC was characterized using fluorescence excitation emission matrix data and analyzed by a four-component parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis model. UV-only treatment showed considerable removal of CECs that displayed high values of quantum yields and molar absorption coefficients. UV-AOP treatment of ROC exhibited heavy scavenging of reactive species during CEC degradation. A probe-based approach established that hydroxyl radical was the dominant reactive species in all UV-AOPs. A kinetic analysis of PARAFAC components of DOM showed that the visible humic-like and protein-like components exhibited the higher reaction kinetics compared to UV humic-like and nutrient-like components. The strong linear correlation of protein-like component and seven of the nine CECs across multiple AOPs indicated that they have similar reactivity, enabling the establishment of chemical-reactivity based surrogates for prediction CEC fate in ROC wastes.
PubMed: 38552395
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134060 -
Advances in Physiology Education Jun 2024Water movement across the cell membrane is crucial, with red blood cells (RBCs) experiencing the flow of water in both directions at a rate of approximately 100 times...
Water movement across the cell membrane is crucial, with red blood cells (RBCs) experiencing the flow of water in both directions at a rate of approximately 100 times their volume per second. This process typically results in no net water flow due to an equal balance of water movement in opposite directions, a phenomenon known as osmosis, driven by water potential or impermeant solute concentration. Understanding osmosis is essential for both physiology and medical practice, yet its complexity may not be effectively conveyed to the students through traditional teaching methods. This study presents a novel approach to observing the osmotic effect on RBCs using a simple, modified blood film technique. Aimed at enhancing educational understanding of cellular behavior in different osmotic environments, this method provides a practical hands-on learning experience. By applying various osmotic solutions to prepared blood films and observing the resultant morphological changes in RBCs under a microscope, this technique allows for direct visualization of osmosis in action. This study presents an innovative teaching approach for understanding osmosis and its effects on red blood cells. Using a simple, modified blood film technique, students can visually observe and engage with the dynamic process of osmosis. This hands-on method enhances learning, making complex physiological concepts accessible and practical. Ideal for resource-limited settings, it bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application, transforming physiology education.
Topics: Humans; Erythrocytes; Hemolysis; Physiology
PubMed: 38545643
DOI: 10.1152/advan.00033.2024 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Mar 2024The purpose of this study is to investigate the electroosmotic flow of a hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-Cu/Blood) with gyrotactic microorganisms through a bifurcated artery...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study is to investigate the electroosmotic flow of a hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-Cu/Blood) with gyrotactic microorganisms through a bifurcated artery with mild stenosis in both parent and daughter arteries. The flow is subjected to a uniform magnetic field, viscous dissipation, and a heat source.
METHODS
The governing equations undergo the non-dimensional transformation and coordinate conversion to regularize irregular boundaries, then solve the resulting system using the Crank-Nicolson method.
RESULTS
In both sections of the bifurcated artery (parent and daughter artery), the wall shear stress (WSS) profile decreases with increasing stenotic depth. Nusselt profile increases with an increase in the heat source parameter.
CONCLUSIONS
The present endeavour can be beneficial for designing better biomedical devices and gaining insight into the hemodynamic flow for therapeutic applications in the biomedical sciences.
Topics: Humans; Constriction, Pathologic; Electroosmosis; Hemodynamics; Arteries; Hot Temperature
PubMed: 38538264
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2903110 -
Membranes Mar 2024The operation of coal-fired power plants generates a large amount of wastewater. With the issuance of increasingly strict drainage standards, the cost of wastewater...
The operation of coal-fired power plants generates a large amount of wastewater. With the issuance of increasingly strict drainage standards, the cost of wastewater treatment is increasing, and the need to reduce the cost of wastewater treatment is becoming increasingly urgent. Thus, based on the principles of reverse osmosis (RO) and mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) in wastewater treatment, the operational optimization of an RO-MVR joint system was studied in this work with the consideration of reducing the operating costs of wastewater treatment under given operational conditions. Firstly, based on the basic principles of RO and MVR, corresponding mechanism models were established and their accuracy was verified. Then, an economic model of the RO-MVR joint system was established, with the goal of minimizing the water production unit price and daily operating costs of the joint system for optimization analysis. Finally, we analyzed the cost and water production performance of the RO-MVR joint system before and after optimization under different operating conditions. The results show that this optimization based on the RO-MVR joint system will reduce the unit price of water production to 3.16 CNY/m, with the daily operating costs being decreased by 22% compared to before optimization. This result helps to reduce the cost of zero-discharge wastewater treatment in coal-fired power plants.
PubMed: 38535284
DOI: 10.3390/membranes14030065 -
Biosensors Feb 2024The rotation of cells is of significant importance in various applications including bioimaging, biophysical analysis and microsurgery. Current methods usually require...
The rotation of cells is of significant importance in various applications including bioimaging, biophysical analysis and microsurgery. Current methods usually require complicated fabrication processes. Herein, we proposed an induced charged electroosmosis (ICEO) based on a chip manipulation method for rotating cells. Under an AC electric field, symmetric ICEO flow microvortexes formed above the electrode surface can be used to trap and rotate cells. We have discussed the impact of ICEO and dielectrophoresis (DEP) under the experimental conditions. The capabilities of our method have been tested by investigating the precise rotation of yeast cells and K562 cells in a controllable manner. By adjusting the position of cells, the rotation direction can be changed based on the asymmetric ICEO microvortexes via applying a gate voltage to the gate electrode. Additionally, by applying a pulsed signal instead of a continuous signal, we can also precisely and flexibly rotate cells in a stepwise way. Our ICEO-based rotational manipulation method is an easy to use, biocompatible and low-cost technique, allowing rotation regardless of optical, magnetic or acoustic properties of the sample.
Topics: Acoustics; Electricity; Electrodes; Electroosmosis; Rotation; Humans
PubMed: 38534219
DOI: 10.3390/bios14030112